After several years of hard work, grueling traveling schedules and thorough preparations, Asia produced four World Cup qualifiers – Japan, Australia, South Korea and Iran. The fact that none of these four sides picked up a victory in a combined total of 12 matches played between them highlights the decline of soccer in the region. In conjunction to this, Jordan lost their World Cup play-off decider by an aggregate score of 0-5 to Uruguay. Standards are clearly slipping.

So what exactly are the factors for this decline?

1. Lack of competition

It’s necessary to look at the level of competition these teams face. Living in China, it is easy to see why they are failing to find or produce 11 players of sufficient quality in a nation of 1 billion. There is an alarming lack of recreational facilities. The cost of renting a pitch is also sky high. Furthermore, kids spend most of their youths endlessly doing exams and trying to increase their schooling. For those who subscribe to Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours theory, these two factors greatly diminish the chances of somewhere like China, India or South Korea producing players of a sufficient standard to compete in the World Cup. Simply put, young people have nor the time, money or facilities to get to the required level.

2. Match fixing

The match fixing syndicates have badly damaged the game in Asia. Most of these shadowy figures come from places such as Macau and Singapore. Corruption is ever present in society in Asia as it is in the rest of the world and this has inevitably wormed its way into soccer in the region in the form of match fixing. Again taking China as an example, the culture of not losing “face” is prevalent. Since face has been lost, soccer has lost significant ground to other sports such as basketball.

3. Poor domestic leagues

The standards of the domestic leagues are not good enough and this is intertwined with the poor level of coaching in populous soccer crazy countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The Middle East has some rich soccer history and has produced good players in the past. Iranian soccer suffers severely from sanctions and has resorted to playing ultra defensive soccer that will not get them very far in the long run.

Similarly in the Far East and Australia, the domestic leagues have serious problems and there is a lack of quality. Guangzhou Evergrande are the champions of Asia, but the rely mainly on a Brazilian named Elkeson to score the goals, who was nowhere near the Brazil set up even if Fred and Jo are there main strikers. In addition to this, Guangzhou coach Marcello Lippi has claimed his South Korean centre half Kim, is “good enough to play for Manchester United”. Not on the evidence of this World Cup, particularly the Algeria match. The competition is just not good enough – the reasons being outlined above.

4. Too few footballers play abroad

The U.A.E. played some outstanding football in the 2012 Olympics. However, none of these players moved on from the Middle East because the finance on offer is astronomical to the best players. Omar Abdulrahman, who was outstanding in the tournament and had trials with Man City, is still playing in the domestic league with Al Ain two years later. The foreign imports in this region are on eye-watering salaries that are killing the league. Paradoxically, the money on offer stops the best homegrown players from leaving and testing themselves elsewhere. Take Yaya Toure for example. He has played in Cote D’ Ivoire, Belgium, Ukraine, France, Spain and England. The access to so many different styles of soccer can only benefit players.

5. Android football

Which brings us to the enigma that is Japan. Japan have been the best team in Asia for some time now. They seem to have a good youth system. There is minimal match fixing (if any) and they have a soccer-hungry public. The JFA seem to be a well run organization and they have players plying their trade at several glamorous European clubs like Inter Milan, Manchester Utd and AC Milan. They also had an experienced coach in Alberto Zaccheroni. So what went wrong you say?

Well up until about 9 months ago I would not have been able to answer the question. Then one day I read that the teams from the Far East play what is termed as “android football”. I had no idea what the term was meant to denote. However, it slowly began to dawn on me, particularly after playing against several Far East Asian players in 5-a-side games, 7-a-sides and 11-asides myself. There was one week in particular when we played a Japanese team at the local park whose manager was also present. They were far better than our rag-ball team of Europeans – fitter, sharper, better technically. In the end, we only lost 4-3 when it should have been about 8-0. They played a type of soccer, “android football,” that I had never encountered before.

“Android football” features set moves from every part of the pitch for every situation – nothing was tried off the cuff. The forwards would receive the ball with their back to goal with space to turn – either to shoot or run at the defence. They would never notice this and always knock it back to the midfielder who would hit a sideways pass and we could regroup and get behind the ball. There was a distinct lack of decision-making – they were doing everything on autopilot. There was no directness. The problem with “android football” is that when something goes wrong – e.g. the opposition win the ball back where they were unexpected to do so or win the first header – it means that they are unprepared and unable to cope with this new scenario. Call it a “glitch” if you like. It is simply not possible to plan for every situation in soccer.

This is exactly what happened to Japan in the World Cup. Ivory Coast scored two identical goals within two minutes of each other. This would not happen to any other team. Against Greece, the “android football” team could not score versus 10 men, and had no plan B. Twice in two games, Japan made the same mistake defensively and the same mistake offensively by repeating unhelpful patterns. Against Colombia, they were simply blown away against a great side.

After the poor form by the Asian teams in World Cup 2014, there’s no doubt that Asian soccer has some massive challenges to tackle in the coming years to avoid the same fate at the World Cup in Russia 2018.

The group stage of World Cup 2014 has finished and it has brought more goals than any of the previous ones at the same stage. With the first rest day over, its time to reflect on who has been most standout performer from each continent.

Europe

It is difficult to look beyond the indefatigable Arjen Robben. In very basic terms, he has made a decisive contribution in every single match he has played. At times his acceleration can be frightening and it is an obvious asset. However, Robben’s technical ability is often overlooked. Look at the first touch over the shoulder for his first goal against Spain. At top speed, that is a very difficult thing to do. Lots of players at the World Cup have searing pace – but either they don’t possess the same technical skill and ball control Robben does (Welbeck) or don’t possess his mental strength, particularly his composure in front of goal (Ozil). Furthermore, he is showing great leadership qualities – he took on extra responsibility against Chile in the absence of Van Persie and it paid dividends.

Main Contenders: Benzema, Shaqiri, Muller, Hummels, Van Persie, Valbuena, Kompany.

Asia

Asian teams have performed poorly at the World Cup – Iran, South Korea, Japan and Australia have all exited the competition at the group stage. Japan, in particular, had high hopes of the last 16. Startlingly, not one Asian representative have won a game at this tournament. In contrast to the region’s other teams, Australia played very well against both the Netherlands and Chile, and Iran defended manfully against Nigeria and Argentina. This leaves a straight choice between both of these countries’ best players at the World Cup – Tim Cahill and Iranian right-back Pejman Montazeri. Possibly the best goal at this World Cup has been scored by Tim Cahill – an unstoppable volley from a 50 yard pass on his weaker foot – and so this gives him the nod. An impressive header against Chile when he towered over Gary Medel also swayed the decision versus Montezeri’s heroic defensive efforts and crossing for Iran vs Argentina and Nigeria.

Main Contenders: Keisuke Honda, Matthew Leckie, Mile Jedinak, Pejman Montazeri.

Africa

Algeria and Nigeria will fly the flag for Africa in the next round. Cote D’ Ivoire produced a shocking performance against Greece in their group decider, while Ghana conceded two goals of high comedic value versus Portugal. This would rule out their players, although Gervinho, Serge Aurier and Wilfried Bony had good tournaments.

Cameroon have been possibly the worst team in the competition, limping out in a dispiriting manner that has been well documented and is being investigated by their government.

Therefore, Islam Slimani, scorer of two goals and with one assist and Sofiane Feghouli are the front-runners. Overall though, Vincent Enyeama and particularly Ahmed Musa, have eclipsed them. Nigerian keeper Enyeama has kept two clean sheets and made vital saves against Iran and particularly to deny Edin Dzeko in the dying minutes vs Bosnia. He was also not at fault for any of the goals against Argentina. Musa is the region’s outstanding performer though – he was excellent and wreaked havoc down the flanks against Bosnia and got two high quality goals vs Argentina.

Main Contenders: Vincent Enyeama, Serge Aurier, Sofiane Feghouli, Gervinho, Wilfried Bony, Islam Slimani.

CONCACAF

There are many candidates for this one. Costa Rica, Mexico and the USA have performed with distinction, while only Honduras have exited the competition. Los Ticos have been a revelation with the rampaging Junior Diaz at left wing-back, Giancarlo Gonzalez at centre-back and the Scandinavian-based duo of Bolanos and Borges in midfield excelling. USA have had some standout performers also – Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Fabian Johnson have made a huge impression. Mexico battered a good Croatian team, drew with the hosts and instigated the Cameroonian slide out of the competition. El Tri have been particularly good in midfield and at the back, with Rafa Marquez rolling back the years and Hector Herrera moving the ball well. Guillermo Ochoa has provided the best goal keeping display so far and probably has done enough to earn the plaudits above the other contenders.

Main Contenders: Rafa Marquez, Christian Bolanos, Celso Borges, Clint Dempsey, Hector Herrera, Fabian Johnson, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Jermaine Jones.

CONMEBOL

This has been the World Cup where South American (and Central/North American) teams have dominated. All of the regions teams have gone through except Ecuador – where Enner Valencia had a great tournament. Brazil’s Oscar, Colombia’s Mario Yepes, Chile’s Mauricio Isla and Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira should be praised for their fine form so far. However, the absolute standout performers are Alexis Sanchez, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Colombian duo James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado. Neymar and Messi have been particularly decisive with their contributions thus far, and are pivotal to their teams chances of success. Alexis Sanchez destroyed both Spain and Australia for Chile. However, It is difficult to argue that Colombia have not been the best team from the region so far, and with that in mind, Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez have both been magnificent for Los Cafeteros. Rodriguez triumphs, largely due to the outrageous 15 minute cameo against Japan where he set up two and scored himself. A creative genius.

Main Contenders: Neymar, Messi, Juan Cuadrado, Alexis Sanchez, Enner Valencia, Mauricio Isla, Mario Yepes, Alvaro Pereira, Oscar.

Switzerland play Honduras in their final group game today at 4pm ET/1pm PT knowing that victory will seal their place in the last 16. On paper, it is one of the easier World Cup games to have as a “must win” match because the Hondurans have had a poor tournament so far.

For Honduras, Stoke midfielder Wilson Palacios will return from suspension for the foolish red card he received against France. Emilio Izaguirre of Celtic, highly rated prior to this tournament, was replaced by Juan Carlos Garcia at half time against Ecuador and may lose his place. Honduras need goals, and Carlo Costly did score with a fantastic strike in the previous game. Jerry Bengtson, who scored the winner when Honduras beat Spain in the Olympics in 2012, will start alongside him. Switzerland shipped 5 goals to France last time out and Honduras desperately need Costly and Bengtson firing on all cylinders if their to have any chance to win the game, let alone the almost impossible task of going through.

Switzerland will hope Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos are mentally strong enough to come back and perform after the French debacle. France were excellent in that match and the score could have been more than five. Fabian Schar may start at the back in place of Senderos for this reason.

Switzerland can take heart from the fact that they finished both games strongly, scoring 2 against the French late on and also coming from behind to beat Ecuador. Josip Drmic, who has not scored thus far, may be replaced by Haris Sefarovic or Admir Mehmedi who both scored against Ecuador. Granit Xhaha and Xherdan Shaqiri have looked lively, and both could enjoy a good day here. Steve Von Bergen, who fractured an eye socket after clashing with Olivier Giroud, will miss out. Blerem Dzemaili, who scored with a free kick against France, may replace Hertha Berlin bound Valentin Stocker or Valon Behrami.

Prediction: Switzerland 3-1 Honduras

Predicted Switzerland starting XI:

Predicted Honduras starting XI:

Japan and Colombia face off today at 4pm ET/1pm PT with both teams in need of points for very different reasons. Los Cafeteros only need one point to be sure of top spot, while the Blue Samurai desperately need their first victory of the campaign and hope Greece do them a favor versus Cote D’ Ivoire.

Colombia’s astute coach Jose Pekerman has the luxury of resting some players. Likely to drop out are flying winger Juan Cuadrado, Carlos Sanchez and skipper Mario Yepes. Freddy Guarin, an excellent player on his day, should see game time, along with Alexander Mejia who came on in the last game. Teofilo Gutierrez could miss out also, with Pekerman possessing an embarrassment of riches up front. Jackson Martinez, top scorer in Portugal for FC Porto with 29 goals (ironically as a replacement for Falcao), has seen less than 15 minutes of action. Adrian Ramos, who Dortmund have signed as well as Italy’s Ciro Immobile to replace the non-World Cup based Robert Lewandowski, has not played yet. Carlos Bacca, who plundered 21 goals for Europa League winners Sevilla has also not seen a minutes action due to injury. Juan Fernando Quintero, who plays for Porto behind Martinez in midfield and scored versus Cote D’ Ivoire, could see some action if James Rodriguez gets rested.

Japan come into the game with no injury or suspension worries. That is about the only good news they have had so far though. Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will be ruing the lost opportunities against Cote D’ Ivoire and Greece, having taken the lead against the former and played against 10 men in the latter. Shinji Kagawa, who had a torrid season at Man Utd but is a very capable player was benched against the Greeks. He should return against Colombia and Zaccheroni needs him to show something like the form he showed against Italy in the Confederations Cup in Brazil last year. Its all or nothing for Japan, and they will look to experienced campaigners such as Yasuhito Endo to guide them to victory. Keisuke Honda, on whom so much depends, will look to make his mark. Asia may have no representative in the next round if Japan, who are Asia’s best side, fail and Cote D’ Ivoire win. They simply must move the ball quicker and shoot on sight.

Japan have never beaten Colombia before and struggle against South American opposition so it will take a monumental effort from the Blue Samurai to go through. Expect Colombia to pick them off – and win 1-0 or 2-1 with Jackson Martinez’s pace and power ensuring a difficult time for Japanese centre backs Konno and Yoshida.

Predicted lineup for Japan:

Predicted lineup for Colombia:

The Netherlands take on Chile at Noon ET/9am PT today in a match that will decide who will be the group winner. Both teams are eager to avoid Brazil in the next round, as both Arturo Vidal and Robin Van Persie have told the press. It should be a carnival atmosphere inside the Arena Corinthians today as both teams have less pressure on them with a precious 6 points apiece. It promises to be a fantastic game and both teams have shocked the world with victories over reigning champions Spain.

The main team news for the Oranje is that Robin Van Persie is suspended for this game. Memphis Depay, who enjoyed a goal scoring World Cup debut, will probably start in his place although Jermian Lens did look lively when he came on. Expect to see Klaas Jan Huntelaar at some point. Elsewhere, they should remain unchanged, with Van Gaal likely to start with 5-3-2 with the option of changing to 4-3-3 if the game is not going well.

Chile have doubts over Charles Aranguiz, who was excellent against Spain and has put himself in the shop window for European teams. Arturo Vidal is also a doubt, but both are also one game away from a ban that would rule them out of the next game. In addition to this, the highly rated Chilean coach Jorge Sampaoli, has lamented the state of the playing surface in Sao Paulo which may also influence team selection. Confidence is high in the Chilean camp, but they are determined to avoid being paired with Brazil in the last 16. Alexis Sanchez, who has had an outstanding tournament, is fit.

Both teams are vulnerable at the back. Looking at Chile’s results so far, one might be fooled into thinking their defence is not actually all that bad. 1 goal conceded in two games is very good. Nevertheless, their are two big weak links that will become exposed when Chile go further in the tournament. Gonzalo Jara, of Nottingham Forest, is a massive liability. Fans of the English Championship will have seen him outplayed several times this season. With Arjen Robben flying at the moment, this is surely an avenue for them to exploit. Eventually, at this level, he will be found out.

Then we come to Gary Medel. Medel is small and aggressive player who is good with the ball and keeps possession well. He is also a midfielder, not a defender. He got relegated with Cardiff this season and has an extremely poor disciplnary record. Medel comfortably and admirably coped with a static and lacking in confidence Diego Costa. Tim Cahill, probably Australia’s greatest ever player, exposed Medel’s lack of height and scored (and nearly had a second). Don’t back Medel and Jara to keep a clean sheet. Luckily, Robin Van Persie is not around.

While the Netherlands have conceded 3 goals in two matches, it is worth noting that two of the goals were seemingly harsh penalty decisions and possibly the goal of the tournament from Cahill. Certainly, they cough up chances but overall the likes of Ron Vlaar and Stefan De Vrij have defended well.

Chile’s aggressive pressing style, the “suicidal” press as Vicente Del Bosque called it, is utilized for two primary reasons. The first, is to win the ball back high and create a quick scoring chance. The other, is to hide the glaring defensive deficiencies (although it must be stated that Claudio Bravo is a fine goalkeeper with great distribution skills). The Netherlands should keep faith with their long diagonal passes behind the defence against Chile that has been such a feature of their previous two games. In the Australia game, the Netherlands made some very sloppy decisions on the ball and misplaced simple passes, which Arjen Robben alluded to after the match. Against a team as good at pressing as Chile, this could be decisive. The key for both teams is the out ball to the rampaging wingbacks – Mauricio Isla and Eugenio Mena for Chile vs Danny Blind and Daryl Janmaat for The Netherlands.

It must also be noted, although not much has been written about it, that Chile were very very cynical against Spain. Much has been made about their bravery and attractive style of play, and deservedly so. They were exceptional. However, the also know how to play act and fake injuries to stop momentum when ahead. Clear evidence of this is when Charles Aranguiz, was stretchered off the field and back on his feet within seconds of leaving the pitch ready to return to the fray. The true test of Chile’s mettle will come when they go behind in a game. Then we will know how good they are. The Netherlands have gone behind in both games and proven they can respond.

Overall, both sides possess strong forward players and the battle for supremacy will be fascinating. Even without Van Persie, I see the Dutch shading this one with both teams conceding.

Prediction: Netherlands 2-1 Chile

The Netherlands and Australia will play their second game in the World Cup today. Both teams had very contrasting opening results thus far. While Australia were dispatched 3-1 by Chile, the Netherlands gave the performance of the tournament so far (and possibly their lives) demolishing reigning champions Spain by 5-1.

Nevertheless, both sides played very well. Australia were not far off an unlikely upset. They certainly they did their country proud in defeat. Several of the team are trying to put themselves in the shop window, and another good performance here would likely enhance this. Coach Ange Postecoglu is unlikely to make wholesale changes, but Ivan Franjic, who impressed against Chile, is heading home after injuring himself in that game. Ryan McGowan will probably replace him. Mark Milligan is also out – depriving Postecoglu of a midfield option. Tim Cahill, who has scored more world cup goals than Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo combined, will battle for supremacy with Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar. Elsewhere, its probably as you were for the Socceroos who will be hoping to avoid the slow start which cost them the game against the much vaunted Chileans.

Oranje boss Louis Van Gaal specifically switched to a 5-3-2 formation against Spain, which turned out to be a masterstroke. The dilemma he faces now is whether to turn back to his more orthodox 4-3-1-2 which was used in qualifying and is historically close to the traditional 4-3-3 Dutch teams tend to play, or stick with the 5-3-2. Van Gaal has mentioned in the build-up that he may twist rather than stick.

This will mean Daley Blind, who conjured two superb assists against Spain, will likely be pushed into midfield where his passing skills may become even more effective. Bruno Martins Indi will revert to left-back from his position of left sided centre back vs Spain. Apart from this positional switch, the same players are likely to be retained after their glorious opening day win.

Prediction:

Netherlands 2-0 Australia.

Ah yes. The double holding midfield pair. How I love to watch them. The joy of viewing a perfectly weighted backwards pass, the ambition and invention of a lateral pass, and the beauty of a tactical foul. You can’t help but admire their fire-fighting skills.

Think of the names. Lucas Leiva. Scott Parker. Sandro. Steven N’Zonzi. Nigel De Jong. How many of us can really say that they are not our favorite players? Is it not heart-warming that of those names, two are Brazilian internationals?

Think of where we would be if there was a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout football history. No room for Zidane, or ‘The Glide’ as Ruud Gullit likes to call him. He would have far less space to operate and would likely struggle more.

If you think that is a lucky escape, go back further, to the days of the 1970’s and 1980’s when the ‘Libero’, personified by Franz Beckenbauer, was on the rise. Number tens flourished. Zico, Maradona, Platini. These players had vision and exceptional passing skills but what is traditionally, and highly overlooked, is their leadership on the pitch. The rise of the holding midfielder killed both the attacking Libero and the Number ten. The two most aesthetically pleasing positions, where the ballers’ get to strut their stuff, were becoming as endangered as a Siberian Tiger.

Roll forward to the 1990’s. Gheorghe Hagi, Roberto Baggio, Jari Litmanen. Even Matt Le Tissier. Still defying the odds. Making an impact even as the walls are closing in. The holding midfielders are coming for them. They are becoming more tactically astute, fitter, more disciplined at closing space, displaying more concentration in stopping number tens play. Carlos Valderamma considers shaving his head.

The 21st century has arrived. Juan Riquelme, last of a dying breed. The rest of the Mohicans are getting squeezed out. Gattuso, Nicky Butt and Lee Carsley are snapping at his heels. His soulmates, Jay Jay Okocha and Manuel Rui Costa, are sinking. His coach at Villarreal, Manuel Pellegrini, can’t swim against the current any longer. The one man band goes home to Boca, a less harsh habitat. Mascherano seizes his chance to impress. Kleberson and Gilberto Silva win the World Cup. Dietmar Hamann and Jens Jeremies get to the Final. Not a number 10 in sight.

Zidane takes up the mantle. He is the returning crusader after the Greek style of winning football at Euro 2004. Kindred spirits such as Kaka and Pablo Aimar have fallen by the wayside. Virtuoso displays lead all the way to a World Cup Final. He dinks his penalty against Buffon in off the bar. Vision, passing, leadership, all on display. He will not go quietly. Children and coaches the world over sit up and take notice. The number ten can become glorious again.

The rest is history. For the children, it is easier to become a holding midfielder. The skill set is much less demanding. For the coaches, the number ten has to have defensive attributes, to win the ball back high up the field.

The holding midfielders have won now. Every squad subscribes to have at least one. Deco is finished. Ganso can’t live with the pressure, and baulks at a move to Europe. He wonders will he be continually denied space by the grafters. He decides not to take the chance to find out. He makes a big money move from Santos to Sao Paulo. It says everything. The heir apparent to Riquelme, refusing to sit on his throne. He loses his place in the Brazil squad.

The tens have now become holding midfielders themselves. An Orwellian type scenario. Survival of the Fittest. Adapt and lessen the spectacle. Put Pepe and Phil Jones in midfield. It’s the only way now.

Every young player in the world can learn something from Yaya Toure. He is the archetypal rampaging midfielder that would start for any club side in the world. There is one reason which explains both of these two statements – Yaya Toure is a football journeyman.

This sets him apart from other players. He’s been exposed to an extraordinary amount of football cultures, all of which have made him the player he is today. He has played club football in his native Ivory Coast as well as Belgium, Ukraine, France, Spain and now England. Young players should be encouraged to follow his lead.

After coming through the infamous Mimosas club in the Ivory Coast, Toure signed for Beveren in Belgium. This is where it all started. The trademark physical strength has not always been there. Danny Steur, the fitness coach at Beveren, suggests that “when Yaya came, he was tall but he was not strong. He did a lot of weight training here so he gained muscle. He was weak. After a few months he got stronger and stronger. He liked to work. He was able to protect the ball. And he got more flexible, which is not easy for someone his size.”

In addition to this, regular first team football also helped. A trial at Arsenal failed to materialize in a contract, and Toure moved to Metalurg Donetsk in the Ukraine. Many experts since describe this as a ‘sideways’ move, but this move did wonders for Toure’s professionalism and mental fortitude. As the player himself reveals, “In the Ukraine, I learned that football is actually a job. That’s what I learned there.” Two and a half seasons in, and the traveling man was off again.

Olympiakos, the most successful team in Greece, came calling. By now, Toure had honed his mental and physical attributes, and became familiar with both a Western European style of play and an Eastern European one. It is worth considering just how much a young player could learn from such an apprenticeship, the sheer exposure to different types of opposition to learn from.

At Olympiakos, he learned how to win. Winning a league and playing at the 2006 World Cup for the Ivory Coast, Toure the technician was growing. His all round game developed and he felt it was time to continue the journey. Olympiakos’s then manager Trond Sollied pointed out that “getting him to Greece was a sensation. Physically, he was more mature, he was a harder man after Ukraine.” After one season, he moved to AS Monaco in France.

At Monaco, he learned how to battle and how to score. Monaco were embroiled in a relegation dog-fight. He spent some time playing off the striker, once again proving his adaptability. Moving back to central midfield as a box to box midfielder, he scored 5 goals in 7 games to haul Monaco to Ligue 1 safety.

The dream move to Barcelona materialized. This was a pivotal moment in the development of Toure as the ultimate midfield player. At Barcelona, unsurprisingly, he developed exceptional ball control skills. Rijkaard and Guardiola used him as a holding midfield player, and also, as a centre back. Toure played alongside Gerard Pique in the Champions League Final, which Barcelona won.

On to the present day with Manchester City. Toure has played as off the front man, as a playmaker, and as a box-to-box midfielder. He can now score, pass, dribble, tackle, intercept and create. In the big games, Toure consistently delivers. He is arguably the most complete footballer in the game. What other player could excel in so many positions?

Being a football journeyman is the reason this has happened. More young players should follow a similar path.